​Construction recently completed on ERA’s building reinforcement design for the addition of a 30’x40’ bi-fold hangar door at the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in partnership with the University of Illinois. The TESS building houses a three-dimensional “shake table” that tests the ability of systems, facilities, and equipment to survive under realistic conditions of shock, vibration, and earthquake ground motion. The much larger door opening allows engineers to assess the seismic vulnerabilities of a wide variety of configurations that were previously not possible due to access limitations.

​ERA staff recently completed design plans and specifications for a roadway reconstruction and water main improvement project along Western Avenue in the Village of Northbrook. Extensive coordination was required with the Village, School District 30 and other stakeholders to develop detailed construction staging and maintenance of traffic plans to minimize potential impacts to Wescott School while school is in session and maximize the work being completed while school is out for the summer.
 
An open house was held the evening of March 20, 2018 at Wescott School to relay information to members of the public that may be impacted by construction. ERA prepared several exhibits to promote active discussions with residents, including a 30-foot long scaled map of the project area depicting the proposed improvements.